Another Death during Cosmetic Surgery Procedure Puts Spotlight on Florida Surgeon

Florida can be a popular destination for those seeking to have plastic surgery done, especially if they require surgeons who specialize in particular procedures, such as particular types of lifts.

However, people seeking to have cosmetic surgery done need to be careful and ensure that they do their homework in selecting the right surgeon to perform the surgery. Cosmetic surgeons, like all other types of doctors, have, in some circumstances, been found guilty of medical malpractice and personal injury.

For example, one woman’s cosmetic surgery recently gone wrong in Miami-Dade County has been in the headlines recently in Florida, especially since she ended up dying due to the procedure, and the doctor who performed it was in the process of having his medical license revoked for previous “mistakes” when he performed the surgery.

Where Does The Responsibility Lie? Just With The Doctor?

The “unidentified procedure” performed on Lattia Baumeister was performed by Dr. Osak Omulepu, who reportedly had his license revoked in April by the state’s medical board after two patients complained that they had to be hospitalized with life-threatening conditions following his work in performing Brazilian butt lifts on them.

However, it is also important to note that a three-judge panel evidently decided that Omulepu could, in fact, practice medicine while he was in the process of appealing the revocation. Arguably, in making this decision, some of the blame associated with Baumeister’s death could lie with this three-judge panel.

Baumeister is evidently the third person to die within the last year or so in Miami-Dade County specifically after traveling there for a cosmetic surgery procedure. She was only 30 years old at the time of her death. In this particular case, Miami-Dade homicide detectives are now also assisting Doral police in investigating her death.

Medical malpractice claims—including those related to plastic surgery—are almost always extremely complicated. Doctors and hospitals often mount aggressive defenses against these claims, and it can be difficult to overcome the pressure that other similar experts in the field face when it comes to finding their colleagues responsible for negligence.

Yet, cosmetic surgeons—like all other doctors—have a duty to perform a procedure as others would in their same field; in other words, to act reasonably, and meet the minimum standards, as found acceptable in the medical community. While many of these cases focus on any disfigurement, infections, or other issues that arise due to the negligently performed surgery, in this recent case, a claim for wrongful death should also be sought.

At the law offices of Lavalle Brown & Ronan, our Boca Raton malpractice and personal injury attorneys have extensive experience assisting those who have suffered due to the negligence of a medical professional here in Florida. We strive to obtain the full compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation at 855-BOCALAW or online.

"Finding people you can trust is always a necessity when it comes to legal issues, its critical. Lavalle Brown & Ronan have never failed to deliver superb legal representation without fail. I have and would recommend their services to my family members and closest friends always in good conscience."

– James M.

"Law firm was very professional and effective. Nicole and MV always looked out for me. They would call back or email me even on weekends. They never took advantage of taking money, instead were compassionate and understanding my needs and resolved in the most cost effective way. Truly they cared! Love ‘em 2 thumbs up!"

– Anonymous

"Having an experienced law firm, like Lavalle Brown & Ronan on your side is essential in today’s day and age. I continue to rely on their representation for all of my business. I am very happy with my experience and I recommend them to all of my friends & family!"

– Ulysses M.

"We had a very serious situation occur with one of our operating companies. Within 24 hours Ken Ronan and his team were on the case. It was very time sensitive and required quick action. It was also a very complex case that needed strong and decisive action. In less than 10 days the entire issue was resolved."

By submitting this form I acknowledge that contacting Lavalle, Brown & Ronan, P.A., through this website does not create an attorney-client relationship, and any information I send is not protected by attorney-client privilege.